Seligman to Williams

Road Trip Day Three

The snow arrived overnight as predicted. We woke to a blanket of it under a bright blue sky and a few wispy clouds. It was cold. Icicles had formed on the van overnight but we were still warm in our motorised home. The RV Park management had been out from 06.30 hrs at least (I saw them) shovelling snow off the main walkways but it was still an ankle deep trudge to the office for free coffee and a weather update.

Our RV in Seligman RV Park

Seligman RV Park

We were informed the road to Flagstaff was closed 20 miles or so ahead and there was more snow predicted later today. However, this level of snow fall was unusual and it was not likely to hang around for long. We retired to the van and had a leisurely breakfast and some family time. I got a few piccies and made use of the free WiFi internet to post a blog of the previous day and update my Facebook status.

We were not sure if we could get away from Seligman today but knew we could drive the mile or so back into town as the road here was clear. I was tempted to visit the RoadKill Cafe and there was plenty of tourist attractions to occupy a six year old for a few hours but the snow began to melt by 11.00 hrs and so we decided to chance Flagstaff. What's the worst that could happen? be forced to turn back?

The snow still lay heavily all around but the I40 was ploughed and gritted and the dual carriageway was clear. There was a fair bit of traffic coming from Flagstaff but a little unnervingly none but a couple of police patrols and a plough seemed to be heading our way. The road gradually climbed and after about 20 miles we reached Ash Fork where the road was now open but a warning was given about winter driving conditions ahead. We pressed on. Passing a few minor exits I soon realised even if I wanted to turn round now there was no way to do so. The exits were not cleared at all and were buried in drifted snow several feet deep.

The road narrowed to one effective lane and the surface began to be covered in drifting powder snow. We continued to climb and fresh wet snow began to fall which stuck to the windscreen, freezing solid and  resisting any attempt to move it with the wipers. Williams was the next town ahead and had a RV Park. We decided we would exit there (if we could).

The exit was ploughed but filling rapidly with fresh snow. I almost missed the turn as visibility was reduced to less than 30 metres. We made it a few hundred metres along the heavily covered lane to the RV Park. The uphill drive into the Park had been used at some point in the last few hours but was not ploughed and the snow was about 10-12 cm deep. I parked up in the drive entrance and made my way on foot to the office to enquire if they were open and if it was safe to drive in. "Sure. We'll get ya going if ya get stuck" I was told by the lady at the counter. I drove up and the RV hardly seemed to notice the snow. Directed to our hook up spot by her husband, I swung the rig in with increasing confidence. He told me I drove like an Alaskan which I think means he was impressed!

Outside Circle Pines RV Park reception

Not many campers today!

And this was before the second evening snowfall

Even the RV Parks have their own snow ploughs

It was just gone 13.00 hrs. GC was looking better all the time and we were now effectively stuck here for at least two days as the snow was only predicted to get worse. Thank goodness we have warm clothing, kiddy activities, free WiFI, plenty of food, alcohol and bottled water.